Quantum of Solage

The Napa Valley is known for its vineyards and scenery ... and also for its hotel prices, which can be just plain astronomical. Wine Country's most majestic properties are prohibitively expensive for many travelers...plus, if you're traveling with young children, the perfect place to stay includes the fun stuff typical kids love, like a pool where they can shoot off water pistols and crayons at dinner. And that's what makes Solage an ideal place to stay for lots of families.

Solage is owned by the same company behind spectacular properties like Auberge du Soleil and Calistoga Ranch, but is much less expensive and also less formal. Admittedly, it's less grand than those hotels too ... but large comfy rooms, an expansive property, and proximity to the cute town of Calistoga make up for it. And it's very, very kid-friendly, which might turn off some extra-savvy urban mini-travelers, but is perfect for most all-American kids.

Like all the Auberge hotels, minimizing the environmental blueprint is always a key Solage priority. The swimming pools are kept clean with natural chlorine alternatives, reclaimed water feeds the plants, geothermal energy heats the spa buildings, and green products are used to clean the guest rooms and common areas.

Solage also stores guest amenities like shampoo and conditioner in big bottles, instead of the standard little ones that are so tempting to take home, to cut down on plastic packaging. Which means you'll actually have to purchase a souvenir of your trip instead of permanently "borrowing" a couple small ones from your hotel room shower stall.